Woman Blames Dog Owner For Getting Thrown From Horse
NEDERLAND, Colo. (CBS4) - A rider spent most of her day in the hospital after being thrown from her horse on Sunday. She says the horse was spooked by an unattended dog on a trail near Nederland in Boulder County.
Virginia Giles fell off the horse and broke her arm. She says the owner, who showed up minutes later, took off without an apology or giving his name.
Giles, who is a guide for Sundance Stables, knows that horses spook, and that accidents do happen. But because the dog owner didn't offer her any help and left without giving his name, she's upset.
According to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, a law was broken in the case. The accident happened in an area where dogs are not required to be on a leash. However, dog owners must have control of their animals in one of three ways -- by having them on a leash, having them wear an electronic collar like a shock collar, or having them within sight and under immediate and reliable voice command.
Giles says the dog was several minutes ahead of the owner, who was following on a bike.
"I'm a horse owner and dog owner and I understand people want to recreate with their dogs and that's great," Giles said. "But be responsible and be considerate of the other people out on the trails."
The sheriff's office says it incident would fall into a "dog at large" violation. The owner would be cited. It's usually a $45 fine. But because the dog owner left the scene and didn't give his name, the case could go to court where a judge would decide if there would be any additional punishment.
Giles could also pursue a civil suit for her medical expenses if the dog owner is found.